Philanthropy Advisor

Company: Concordia University, Chicago
Location: River Forest
Posted on: February 13, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the position of Philanthropy Advisor – Leadership Giving. This position reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Development and is located in River Forest, IL. Responsibilities/Duties: The Philanthropy Advisor – Leadership Giving is a key member of the Concordia University Chicago philanthropy team whose primary portfolio will be consistent annual donors with major gift potential. Develop strong leadership, annual and endowment giving solicitation, engagement, and stewardship to encourage and move donors to higher levels of philanthropy. Provide personalized and customized stewardship outreach and updates to high-level annual and endowment donors. Seek new gifts and enhancements to upgrade annual gift levels and grow the market value of high-level endowments. Maintain a robust travel schedule to steward, cultivate, visit, and solicit a portfolio of up to 150 high priority prospects/households. Serve collaboratively with Advancement and philanthropy team and university leaders on high visibility events and to grow the major gift pipeline. Candidates must support and be committed to the mission and identity of Concordia University Chicago, a university of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS). Skill Sets: Experience in higher education annual giving and philanthropy Detail oriented; analytical skills Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills Experience with traditional and emerging approaches to philanthropy and messaging Exhibits a service mentality toward all stakeholders All communication with stakeholders is effective, professional, accurate, and timely Improves work performance and that of others by being receptive to and appropriately sharing information Minimum Experience Required: 3-5 years required; 5-7 years preferred Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or higher preferred Compensation and Benefits: (FULL-TIME) Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia University Chicago benefit options include, but are not limited to, the following: Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA) Disability and Survivor Plan (Basic Life Insurance) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Retirement Pension Plan Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan Supplemental Life Insurance Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Accident Insurance Critical Illness Insurance Tuition benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents) Application Information: Interested individuals should include a cover letter, resume and references with their online application. Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation. Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs. About Concordia University Chicago: Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Theology, Arts & Humanities, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Health, Science & Technology, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and is consistently ranked among the Best Regional Universities–Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. For more than a decade, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more about our commitment to higher education, rooted in the Gospel, at CUChicago.edu. Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world. Job Posted by ApplicantPro

Keywords: Concordia University, Chicago, Waukegan , Philanthropy Advisor, Education / Teaching , River Forest, Illinois